Movie Review: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

Plot: Four best girlfriends hatch a plan to stay connected with one another as their lives start off in different directions: they pass around a pair of secondhand jeans that fits each of their bodies perfectly.

Rating: 7/10

YAY for another chick flick from my memories as a 15 year old who thought that grown-up life would be easy. Hey, kid! For as long as possible, stay in school. Really.Growing up sucks.

I had the best time watching this movie again. This is girl power before feminism took all the rage. It is more about friendship than boys, and has a feel good vibe.  I think there are a lot of people who will disagree with giving this movie a 7/10 but it is for the nostalgic factor and, well, I really do like this film.

The most annoying character was Carmen – she had that typical Please feel sorry for me no one constantly loves me and I’m mad that I’m not the centre of the universevibe to her that I really didn’t want to deal with her shit at all. Blake Lively as Bridgit was also rather annoying but at least the character had a valid reason with her mother committing suicide. Her hook-up with Eric (Mike Vogel) was exasperating but understandable and very expected – and the guy was hotcakes and she was willing to do anything to keep up her bad girl reputation. Then there is Tibby – Amber Tamblyn plays the rebel that knows who she is and doesn’t care if anyone doesn’t like that. Her friendship with Bailey (Jenna Boyd) was the most original and unexpected plot line and really sad at the end. To finish up the quartet of friends is the shy Lena who is uncomfortable accepting her beauty. Things change when she meets the handsome Greek god Kostas Dounas (Michael Rady), a free spirit that challenges her to be more herself. That is also not without problem, as an old rift between their families pushes them into the Greek version of Romeo and Juliet.

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The whole pants story is a bit silly – there is no way that those pants would fit all those girls. But, if you can look past that business the movie is sweet and fun and full of hilarious teenage angst. The movie is shot quite well and in some extraordinary beautiful places – Mexico for Bridgit and Greece for Lena (Greece – sort out your money problems so I can vacay there please!)

I loved this movie, and while it is certainly not a guy movie, I think a lot of girls would have a lovely time with this!

June 6, 2016June 5, 2016 by Natasha Categories: Movies, movies, Review, Reviews, UncategorizedTags: Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn, America Ferreira, Blake Lively, Brian Mc Brian, Cancer, Chickflicks, Greece, Leonardo Nam, Michael Rady, Mike Vogel, Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, teenagers 8 Comments

Series Review: Gilmore Girls Season 3

What I liked:

Lane Kim’s rebellion: Lane’s quirky nature has been repressed by her mother her entire life, and it is amusing to see Lane starting to openly rebel against it. I found the purple hair incident really amusing and Rory’s baffled support throughout very endearing.

Rory and Dean’s breakup: Hehe, it was nasty. Rory had partially deserved it because she cheated on Dean, and was so inconsiderate to his feelings. Both Alexis Bledel and Jared Padalecki did well in this scene and I was impressed with their emotions flying everywhere.

The bi-centennial speech: Paris freaking out over live television and referencing Rory’s virginity and her lack of it was cringe-worthy but had me laughing so loudly.

Jess and Rory, finally: I only liked Dean in Rory’s life as a first boyfriend: Nice and all, but someone who you love and then move on. He’s not her equal on so many levels, and I think them together in the long run would be disastrous. Jess challenges Rory and he is her intellectual equal. He is always honest with her and it doesn’t matter to him what other people think of their relationship.

Jesse vs. Dean: That fight was one just waiting to happen and it was so well executed. I was very entertained and changed sides constantly who I was cheering for.

Luke: He’s just the greatest guy in the show. Even though he easily loses his temper and doesn’t have much time for silly town events, he has a soft heart and will do anything for his family and friends.

The buying of the Dragonfly: YAAAY for Lorelai and Sookie getting their inn!

Rory’s graduation speech: WOW. I had to watch it three times and I got chills every single time. It was beautiful and touching and appropriate and her grandparents and Lorelai seemed so genuinely touched.

What I didn’t like:

Rory’s treatment of Dean: This is the first time we get a good view of how bad Rory can behave, and I was not impressed with her kissing Jess while she was still with Dean. Dean can be grating and immature and silly, but he does not deserve to be cheated on (no one does). I also thought that her taking out her cheating on her mom all the time is unfair.

That said, Dean: Dean gets annoying really fast when he gets on his high horse and his constant jealousy pisses me off. I also really don’t appreciate how he towers over Rory and shouts at her, it is rather terrifying and screams abuse to me.

Jess: He is one of my favorite characters but also an annoying one because he constantly messes up the things that are important: school, his relationship with Luke, his relationship with Rory. I love his cocky attitude and his bad ass nature, but sometimes I want to pull his ear and tell him it is time to act like the adult he so desperately wants to be. He made me angry a lot of the times because he mistreated Rory emotionally and that was not fair at all.

Alex: He seemed nice, and Billy Burke is so young in here, but the relationship between him and Lorelai was clearly a subplot and undeveloped. It would have been nice to see more of him and Lorelai together and how their relationship ended, for which there wasn’t even an ending.

The Lorelai and Christopher flashback: Wow, it was so fake. And those kids? The girl could pass for a younger Lauren Graham but that teen boy would never grow into Christopher. EVER

Rating: 8/10

I enjoy this show so much. A big plus for Gilmore Girls is that it never runs dry and constantly evolves to keep the characters growing and the audience entertained. I really enjoy all the characters – they are quirky and unique and there are a ton of them. The cast works well together and you can see that they are having a blast. Season three had a good momentum and managed to balance the story of Rory at Chilton with her relationship dramas and small town life really well and Lorelai also got her emotional and career development. Both Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham are much more comfortable in their roles and seemto have settled into their characters.

The support cast provides endless entertainment as with their small town lives. I especially enjoy Kirk very much. He is so awkward and the things he gets up to makes me laugh the entire episode through. I’m really happy he was promoted to a series regular because Sean Gunn does a fantastic job with his role. Miss Patty (Liz Torres) also provides chuckles with her dancing school and her open perving about gorgeous younger men makes me want to high five the lady. Then there is Michel Gerard (Yanic Truesdale), a man whose view on life and work should be celebrated. His constant sarcasm and determination to do as little as possible is truly admirable, as well as the bit of sweetness he can exhibit for the people he cares about.

I am also particularly pleased that Gilmore Girls never do that annoying thing where a story arc keeps running indefinitely. Rory gets her three seasons at Chilton, because it fits with the necessary time frame and then she applies to college. She also GOES to school and constantly studies, something that sorely lacks from shows like Pretty Little Liars where you wonder how those girls are planning to get their school certificates.

Gilmore Girls Season 3 provided easy, fun and hilarious television time. It is a great pick-me-up, and I think plenty of people would have fun with this!

March 26, 2015March 22, 2015 by Natasha Categories: Reviews, SeriesTags: Alexis Bledel, Gilmore girls, Jared Padalecki, Lauren Graham, Lorelai Gilmore, Milo Ventimiglia, Reviews, Rory Gilmore, Scott Patterson, Series 7 Comments

Five things Friday: Beautiful speeches on screen

Happy Friday! I was watching Gilmore Girls this week where Rory gives her graduation speech, and that, and a conversation with Zoe, prompted me to compile this list today.

I’ve always read that people give speeches that move other people into action, or make them teary eyed and super emotional, but there aren’t many movies or shows that have actors/actresses strong enough to properly convey the emotion in a way that the speech becomes a powerful entity.

However, I’ve managed to come up with five speeches where the words, combined with excellent acting and setting, impressed me beyond belief and nearly made me cry.

Sherlock Holmes’ best man speech at Watson’s wedding

Benedict Cumberbatch is without a doubt the most perfect person to ever play Sherlock Holmes, a high honor since Robert Downey Jnr did a very decent job in the 2009 and 2011 Sherlock Holmes movies.

Sherlock’s Best Man speech starts off delightfully awkward, just like Sherlock himself. As the scene progresses, you start feeling vaguely uncomfortable and pity the bride, groom and guests alike. Then Sherlock stuns the crowd with a moving tribute to Watson’s character, words kinder than anything Sherlock has ever uttered in his life.

It is beyond a doubt one of the best scenes I’ve ever seen in a show. It’s so unexpected and emotional, beautifully spoken in Cumberbatch’s amazing voice, and so appropriate for someone who has gone through and seen what Watson has seen.

Theoden’s speech at the Ride of the Rohirrim

I’ve referenced this scene many, many times as one the greatest scenes of all times. I can’t watch it without having goosebumps or wanting to jump on my own horse(I don’t have a horse) and go fight some Orcs. Bernard Hill did a phenomenal job in his portrayal of Theoden. Theoden has a sad and moving story: he has always felt that he is not worthy to be amongst his great forefathers; he has spent too much time listening to Wormtail’s lies and lost his son on the battlefield. When Gandalf arrives in Rohan, Theoden is a ghost of a man he once was. With Gandalf’s force help, he manages to shake Saruman’s hold on him, acknowledges his power and the loyalty he owes Gondor, and becomes the King he has always been destined to be.

Theodentakes his men through numerous battles and finally rides to the aid of Minas Tirith, under attack from Sauron’s fleet. As his party arrives grossly outnumbered to the orcs, Theoden gives the speech he has been born to give: giving his men courage brutality and death to help their friends.

Aragorn’s speech at the Black Gates

Lord of the Rings is obviously a trilogy with great speeches and epic moments, and this scene also stood out for me: Aragorn taking his small party to the Black Gates to lure Sauron’s eyes away from Mordor, where Sam and Frodo are desperately trying to fulfil their quest.

Rory Gilmore’s graduation speech

Yes, this one might be vastly inferior to those previously mentioned, but I loved the speech Rory gave at her farewell. The entire episode has Rory stressed out and overworked, she is snappy with absolutely everyone, she has just heard that Dean is getting married and that Jesse left Stars Hollow without even saying goodbye or giving an explanation. She’s valedictorian but she’s not even feeling the pride that should accompany it because she has so much on her plate. Lorelai makes her realise what an achievement it is and when it is time for the speech, Rory thanks her grandparents and mother in such a way you can’t help but tear up. I thought it was unbearably sweet and with Luke and Jackson doing the ugly cry gave me a good chuckle. I think I particularly liked this scene because the only problem I’ve ever had with both Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel was that they didn’t really dotears very well.

Kat’s speech/poem in Ten Things I Hate About You

This last spot was a killer to fill. I had some ideas, but wanted the last one, even though it’s fifth on the list, to be worthy to stand with those that came before it. Kat’s interpretation of the poem they’ve been assigned is done so beautifully – she’s hurt because she’s found out Patrick was paid to take her out on dates just so that Bianca could date sleezeball Joey.

What are your favorite speeches? I’m sure I missed/forgot plenty of good ones, so let me know!

March 20, 2015March 14, 2015 by Natasha Categories: Five Things Friday, Movies, SeriesTags: Alexis Bledel, Aragorn, Benedict Cumberbatch, Gilmore girls, Kat Strafford, Lauren Graham, Lord of the Rings, Patrick Verona, Rory Gilmore, Sherlock Holmes, Ten Things I hate about you, Theoden, Watson 11 Comments

Series Review: Gilmore Girls Season 2

Rating: 8/10

There is no other way to watch Gilmore Girls other than binge watching. I continued from my epic return to Stars Hollow in Season One, immediately joining Rory and Lorelai again for their escapades. I can’t imagine giving this show anything below an 8. Gilmore Girls makes me the happiest and watching it is the best. Season two also performed really well and the storyline evolves just enough to prevent the show from stagnating. I really thought the addition of Jess’ character was an inspired move, he brings something to Rory’s life that makes her existence as colorful as her mothers. Below is a rundown of my likes and dislikes… enjoy and let me know if you’ve ever watched it and what you thought!

 

What I liked:

Max Madeena and Lorelai’s relationship getting the axe.  I loved Max, I truly did, but he is not the man for Lorelai. (Luke is, duh). Max is very sweet and a wonderful character, but he just seems… too nice for Lorelai.

Lane’s bigger role. I adore Keiko Agena in her role of Lane Kim, and I find her and Rory’s friendship so very sweet. I was very happy to notice Lane gets her moments in the story and that she is developing and having fun.

Rory and Paris… round two.  Paris is rather terrifying but I really enjoy the character. She is so insecure and stressed about being a success and that and her short personality does not make her the best person to be around in trying times. I did enjoy how she and Rory got onto a better level here and how Rory could even be friends with a person that had treated her the way Paris did.

Jess for the win! Ah, Milo Ventimiglia is the best thing in Stars Hollow since Luke’s diner. He’s hilarious, sarcastic, cocky and brutally honest and I love when he is on screen (he’s honey to the eyes too, but that pales compared to his awesome character. My favorite scene with him is where Luke pushes him into the lake, it’s just a small push and Jesse is flying. I laughed for hours afterwards. It’s also pretty clear that Jesse is a much better fit for Rory than Dean is – he’s her equal and won’t treat her like she’s breakable all the time, something very good for a girl as pampered as Rory is.

A Movie by Kirk

LOL

LOL

LOL

Possibly made my year.

The episodes: All of these episodes are hilarious, sweet and well shot and you never even think of the time. Although there is some strange acting here and there it’s not grating because the show is shot so well.

Improved relationships: Especially between Lorelai and Emily Gilmore. It’s quite clear that they are both very responsible for the damage that was done between them and they are such an entertaining case study for the mom/daughter dynamic. I love Emily’s wit and sarcasm and how she always has an answer – she is an older version of her daughter although both would fervently deny it.

Luke, forever. He’s so cranky and his wild tangents entertain me. He never stops bitching and has so many gripes with the world. He is actually also very sweet and has a good heart, which I love because he tries to hide it so well.

What I didn’t like

Sheesh, there is basically nothing. The only thing that causes minor irritation, and it is truly minor, is Dean. He can get very grating at times and his excessive jealously and over protective nature annoys me (maybe it is strengthened by Jared Padalecki flashbacks from Supernatural season four). It is very minor though, and I really do enjoy the character most of the time.

I also think that it was completely wrong that they didn’t show Sookie’s wedding to Jackson. Sookie is a major character in the story, and it would have been lovely to see how she got her big day.

Really, if you haven’t seen this show and you really enjoy happy things, I think that you give it a try. It is worth the watch and easy and fun.

March 19, 2015March 18, 2015 by Natasha Categories: Reviews, SeriesTags: Alexis Bledel, Chilton, Gilmore girls, Jared Padalecki, Lauren Graham, Lorelai Gilmore, Milo Ventimiglia, Review, Rory Gilmore, Series 3 Comments

Ultimate Throwback Thursday: Gilmore Girls Season 1

Thoughts while having Gilmore Girls years later:

I hope I can be as cool as Lauren Graham when I grow up. Epitome of cool.

Lorelai is so funny. The things she says!

Totally relating to the weirdness of Lorelai and Rory.

How ridiculously cute is Alexis Bledel? She’s so teensy and innocent and adorable.

I want to move to a small American town.

I love Miss Patty. Her voice is so smoky!

Sixteen year old me did not fully appreciate all the man in Luke. Heeeyyyyyy

Nor did sixteen year old understand how hot Max Madeena is

Twenty five year old me likes Luke and Max. A lot

HAHAHA look how young Jared Padalecki is

Jared Padalecki is doomed to have awful hair in shows

Was Jared Padalecki a six foot giant baby too?

Chad Michael Murray was the perfect school boy in the 2000s

Tristan is SUCH a highschool boy

Paris would still make me cry

I like Paris. She’s very honest and that rocks

Still scary though

So many references and puns make sense now.

These older shows are so tame with sexy time.

Sookie is the best. Her little dances and sweet nature makes the show.

Melissa McCartney should have stuck to this instead of becoming so generic. I really love her in here.

Michelle. The embodiment of such superb sarcasm warms my heart.

Cutest first kiss EVER

Luke’s rants. I can watch him go into full explosion mode every single day because the energy he puts into it is so entertaining. A huge up for Scott Patterson for being such a perfect Luke.

Emily Gilmore’s dry wit. How can she and Lorelai not see how similar they are?

The relationship between Rory and her grandfather is so endearing.

How HOT is Christopher? Lorelai gets all the pretty guys. No fair.

These girls understand my devotion to coffee

Rating: 7/10

I’m currently having the best time watching Gilmore Girls again. It has that special feeling that reminds me of childhood, I used to avidly await this show each week. It’s by far not the most complex storyline or exceptional acting I’ve ever encountered, but it’s so sweet and so much fun to watch that it is quite easy to forget the flaws!

March 5, 2015March 3, 2015 by Natasha Categories: Reviews, SeriesTags: Alexis Bledel, Dean, Jared Padalecki, Lauren Graham, Lorelai Gilmore, Melissa McCartney, Reviews, Rory Gilmore, Scott Patterson, Series, Sookie St James 8 Comments